170-1.
There is a personal and political mystery underlying this transaction which history will probably never solve.

Only a few points of information have come to light, and they serve to embarrass rather than aid the solution.

The first is that Calhoun, although the friend and protege of Douglas, and also himself personally pledged to submission, came to the Governor and urged him to join in the new programme as to slavery,--alleging that the Administration had changed its policy, and now favored this plan,--and tempted Walker with a prospect of the Presidency if he would concur.

Walker declared such a change impossible, and indignantly spurned the proposal.

The second is that one Martin, a department clerk, was, after confidential instructions from Secretary Thompson and Secretary Cobb, of Buchanan's Cabinet, sent to Kansas in October, ostensibly on department business; that he spent his time in the lobby and the secret caucuses of the convention.